Sixth Inning Rally Pushes Alabama to 3-1 Win Saturday to Even Weekend Series

Trailing 1-0 with two out in the bottom of the sixth, a bases-loaded walk and a clutch two-run double pushed Alabama ahead in the eventual 3-1 victory Saturday to even the weekend series with Kentucky.

After five scoreless innings, Alabama (47-5, 15-5 SEC) fell behind as Kentucky (31-19, 13-10 SEC) broke into the run column with a solo home run in the top of the sixth. Alabama would go on to load the bases with two out before sophomore Maddie Morgan drew the bases-loaded walk to tie the game and freshman Skylar Wallace roped the second pitch of her at-bat down the right-field line for a two-run double to give the Crimson Tide a 3-1 lead. Junior Sarah Cornell (19-1) struck out the first two batters in the seventh and, following a double, struck out the final hitter to secure the win and even the weekend series.

Wallace led the offense with a 2-for-2 day at the plate, her eighth multi-hit effort of the season and her second in the last five games. Cornell went the distance in the circle, fanning four batters with one run allowed on four hits.

Alabama got a pair of runners into scoring position in the bottom of the fourth but could not break the scoreless tie. Kentucky threatened in the next half-inning, loading the bases with one out before sophomore Maddie Morgan fielded the sharp hopper, stepping on third and firing over to first for an inning-ending 5-3 double play to get out of the jam and keep the Wildcats off the run column.

Kentucky’s Abbey Cheek broke the scoreless tie in the top of the sixth, sending a one-out solo home run to center field. Alabama got the potential tying run into scoring position in the bottom half on a one-out double from senior Merris Schroder and senior Reagan Dykes drew a four-pitch walk behind her to put two on base. The Wildcats made a change in the circle, turning to game-one winner Grace Baalman. After a force out at third went for out number two, another walk loaded the bases. Sophomore Maddie Morgan drew a walk to bring in the tying run and then freshman Skylar Wallace came through with the biggest hit of the night, roping a two-run double down the right-field line to put Alabama ahead 3-1.

In the top of the seventh, Cornell struck out the first two batters and, after a double, caught the final hitter swinging to secure the two-run victory.

The series rubber match is set for a 2 p.m. CT first pitch Sunday, April 28 live on SEC Network.

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